Skip to content
S

Kelson School vs Naenae College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Wellington, New Zealand, 1.9 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureKelson School
Kelson, Wellington
Naenae College
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Success Index (NZ)
80
Top 10%
39
Lower 50%
Region rank#16 of 176#37 of 46
National rank#144 of 1,559#312 of 486
SectorStateState
TypeContributingSecondary (Year 9-15)
Year rangeYears 1–6Years 9–13
Students278862
Equity Index (EQI)386500
Total roll278862
Roll growth (5 yrs)0%14.2%
Leavers with NCEA Level 2+–67.1%
Leavers with NCEA Level 3+––
Leavers with University Entrance–49.7%
Māori students10.1%28%
Pacific students5.8%25.3%
International students0%0%
suburb or townKelsonLower Hutt
regionWellingtonWellington
Websitewww.kelson.school.nzwww.naenae-college.school.nz

The verdict

  • •Kelson School scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (80.0 vs 39.1).
  • •Kelson School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (386 vs 500).
  • •Naenae College does better on roll size (862 vs 278).
  • •Naenae College does better on roll growth (5 years) (14.2% vs 0%).
  • •Naenae College is the larger school with 862 students compared with 278.

The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.

Free academic assessment

Torn between two schools? Start with your child.

Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.

  • Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
  • English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
  • Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
  • Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kelson School better than Naenae College?

On the Success Index (NZ), Kelson School ranks higher (80.0 vs 39.1 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.

How far apart are Kelson School and Naenae College?

About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Kelson and Lower Hutt in Wellington.

Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?

Kelson School: 386. Naenae College: 500. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.

How do Kelson School and Naenae College rank in Wellington?

Kelson School is 16th of 176 and Naenae College is 37th of 46 among contributing schools in Wellington on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).